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22-0486 Parsons House NarrativeFIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS NARATIVE REPORT BASIS (METHODOLOGY) OF DESIGN TIER ONE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENT A: Basic of design, Sequence of operations and Testing Criteria (i.) Existing Building – Dormitory R-2; Type IIIB Construction – The highest point 58’ to attic ridge above finished floor. One (1) partial crawl space below lower level but in-filled under scope of work for this project. Approximate usable total square footage is as follows: Lower Level – 4,835 square feet First Floor – 4,888 square feet Second Floor – 4,835 square feet Third Floor – 4,267 square feet Attic Level – 2,834 square feet Total: 21,659 square feet Applicable Laws, Regulations and Standards The following codes and standards apply to the design and installation of sprinkler system and fire alarm system installations in the subject building: a. 780 CMR, IBC (2015) as adopted and modified by the Massachusetts State Building Coe (9th edition), Chapter 9, Fire Protection Systems b. Massachusetts IEBC (2015) as adopted and modified by MA c. 527 CMR, NFPA 1 (2015) as adopted and modified by Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code d. NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems (2013) e. NFPA 70, National Electrical code (2020) f. NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (2013) g. FM Global Pamphlet 1-12 h. FM Global Pamphlet 3-26 Design Responsibility for the Fire Protection Systems JFV Engineering, LLC. develops a full system layout, design criteria and calculations and certifies the system installation for code compliance at completion. (.ii) Sequence of Operation Fire Alarm System General a. FACP and Alarm Sequence: When the FACP receives a signal from a fire alarm initiating device, and audible and visible alarm signal will broadcast throughout the building. An alarm signal is transmitted to the Fire Department via transmitter and central station service as determined by Smith College. Additionally, all supervisory and trouble signals are transmitted to the off-site monitoring service and transmitted to the owner’s contact representative. b. General Area Smoke Detectors (If Required): When smoke detectors sense smoke, a signal is sent to the FACP, which starts the alarm sequence c. Duct Smoke Detectors: When duct smoke detectors sense smoke, a signal is transmitted to the FACP associated AHU’s shutdown, and the condition is transmitted to the offsite monitoring station for dissemination d. Manual Fire Alarm Pull Boxes: When a pull station is manually activated, a signal is sent to the FACP, which starts the alarm sequence. e. Valve Supervisory Switches: If a sprinkler control valve is improperly closed, a signal is sent to the FACP. The FACP broadcasts and audible and visible trouble signal locally at the panel and the condition is transmitted to the offsite monitoring station for dissemination. f. Water Flow Switches: Actuation of any sprinkler in the building shall activate the water flow switch associated with the activated zone. A signal is sent to the FACP, which starts the alarm sequence. Wet sprinkler system specific: System operates automatically upon the fusing of a single fire sprinkler. Operational Sequence: Wet System – Alarm Initiation – Water through a single sprinkler head operates a contact on the wet system flow switch. Closed contact on the flow switch will provide alarm signal to the FACP and activate the local audible visual alarms. System alarm will be transmitted to Central Station and to the Northampton Fire Department. Wet System – Supervisory Initiation - Upon closing of control valve, tamper switch will initiate supervisory signal to the FACP and activate supervisory audible signal. System supervisory signal is transmitted to Central Station and to the authorized owner’s contact representative. Dry System – Alarm Initiation - Water through a single sprinkler head operates a contact on the dry system pressure alarm switch. Closed contact on the switch will provide alarm signal to the FACP and activate the local audible visual alarms. System alarm will be transmitted to Central Station and to the Northampton Fire Department. Dry System – Supervisory Initiation - Upon closing of control valve or activation of the low/high air pressure switch will initiate supervisory signal to the FACP and activate supervisory audible signal. System supervisory signal is transmitted to Central Station and to the authorized owner’s contact representative. (.iii) Testing Criteria All tests to be witnessed by Northampton Building Department and Fire Department which includes hydrostatic pressure testing of the wet and dry pipe system at 200 psi for 2 hours in accordance with NFPA 13, 2013 and FM Global Pamphlet 1-12 & 3-26. A modified existing 6” Underground sprinkler water service will be relocated to the mechanical on the first floor from underneath the existing stair. This service supply pipe originates on Henshaw Avenue. The new relocated portion of the 6” supply shall be installed, tested, and flushed in accordance with NFPA 13, 2013 and the Northampton Water Department. Contractor’s material and test certificates for above ground and underground shall be provided by the installing contractor(s) other requirements shall include the following. 1. Full forward flow test of the backflow preventer at Highest Sprinkler demand rate in GPM. 3. 2" main drain test shall be conducted and record static and residual pressures on the test certificates. 4. System operational and alarm test on the system from the inspector's test connection in accordance with NFPA 13, 2013. 5. NFPA 72 “Records of Completion by Fire Alarm Contractor. 6. Central station verification that the alarm and supervisory signals are appropriately received and transmitted to the Northampton Fire Department. Testing Equipment and Tools Fire Sprinkler Specific: a. Manufacturer's instructions b. Approved narrative report, sequence of operations section c. Flow measuring devices- pitot tube for backflow preventer full forward flow test d. Gauges- main riser for 2" drain and hydrostatic testing e. Fire hose if required to direct backflow flushing Fire Alarm Specific: a. Fire alarm system technician authorized by the manufacturer to program and test the fire alarm system b. Fire Alarm system and sprinkler system testing notification announcements to the occupants of the building c. Construction documents and shop drawings d. Approved sequence of operations e. Voltage meters f. Simulated smoke g. Applicable panel and pull station keys Approval Requirements a. Certification from JFV Engineering, LLC stating that the fire protection sprinkler system has been installed in accordance with the approved fire protection construction documents and that he has reviewed the as-built drawings for conformance to 780 CMR 901.7.4 and has identified deviations if any, from the approved fire protection construction documents. b. Confirmation by the building owner/developer or authorized representative that they have received the as-built sprinkler system shop drawings from the installing contractor c. Material Test, Performance and Completion Certificates, properly executed by the installing contractor in accordance with the applicable NFPA Standards. d. Satisfactory functional test of all fire protection systems witnessed by the Building official and the head of the fire department or their designees. e. Fire Service Group is in charge of setting up and conducting the testing of the work under their scope. Fire Service Group will provide test certificates to authorities having jurisdiction for FSG’s scope of work. B: Building Site Access Building site access is from Henshaw Avenue. C: Fire Hydrants Locations & Water supply Info 1.1 There are existing Hydrants on Henshaw Avenue and on access ways throughout the immediate area. These hydrants are available for hose stream allowances and Fire Department operational requirements. 1.2 A Water flow test on Henshaw Avenue on June 29, 2022, which yielded the following: 90 PSI Static, 76 PSI Residual with 1203 GPM flowing. The 6” supply is more than sufficient to adequately support the sprinkler system needed for the building. D: Type/description and design layout of the automatic sprinkler system 1.1 The sprinkler systems shall be a wet system throughout the building except for the cupola. There will be a dry system installed at the attic level just below the cupola and penetrate the roof to access the space. 1.2 The NFPA 13 2013 and FM Global hazard classifications are: adjusted design area ordinary hazard Group 2 occupancy for Mechanical spaces on the first-floor level, Light hazard residential design as required by FM Global Pamphlet 3-26 shall be designed for the dormitory rooms and adjacent spaces, and the unused attic space is designed for light hazard density over the most remote 1500 square feet. 1.3 Water supply will be the modified 6” service connected to the existing water main in Henshaw Avenue. 1.4 4” Storz fire department connection provided on new system riser in accordance with the Northampton Fire Department. Hydraulic Calculation Summaries: Area 1 – Attic Wet System: .10 over the most remote 1950 square feet – 739.31 GPM at 67.35 psi at the source. Flow includes 250 GPM hose stream allowance. Area2 – 3rd Floor Dormitory: 4 Residential Sprinklers – 331.31 at 56.60 psi at the source. Flow includes 250 GPM hose stream allowance. Area 3 – 2nd Floor Dormitory: 4 Residential Sprinklers – 340.59 GPM at 75.27 psi. Flow includes 250 GPM hose stream allowance. Area 4 – Lower-Level Mechanical Spaces – 835.16 GPM at 62.96 psi at the source. Flow includes 250 GPM hose stream allowance. E: Automatic sprinkler system control equipment location The sprinkler control equipment will be located in mechanical room on the first floor mechanical space level. Sprinkler control valves and equipment shall accessible and clearly marked for the fire department. Fire Department Connection and Access location identification lettering shall be verified with the Northampton Fire Department and shall comply with the Massachusetts Building Code CMR 780. F: Type/Description and design layout of the standpipe system Based on the architectural code analysis dated May 24, 2022 for Alterations Level 3, standpipes are not required per section 804.3 of the Massachusetts IEBC - …where the work area is located more than 50 feet above….the fire department access. The 4th floor is 41 feet above grade. G: Standpipe Hose valves Not Required (See Item F: above) H: Fire department connection type and location a. A new fire department connection will be located so to be accessible from Henshaw Avenue. Final Location shall be confirmed with the Northampton Fire Department. b. The fire department connection will be a 4”storz connection per Northampton Fire Department. I: Type/Description and design layout of fire protection signaling system Fire alarm systems and components- audio and visual appliances installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 72 by a MA licensed fire alarm contractor. 1.1 The system shall be installed and programmed so upon actuation of an alarm, trouble or supervisory signal at the fire alarm control unit, a corresponding signal shall be reported to the supervising station. 1.2 The protected premises will be monitored by a listed central station service in compliance with NFPA 72. 1.3 The system shall be installed so that it is complaint with the 2013 edition of the NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and signaling code, NFPA 1, ADA, 521 CMR, and the Mass. Amendments to 2015 International Building Code. J: Fire protection signaling control equipment and remote annunciator location The Fire Alarm control Panel shall be located in accordance with NFPA 72 and the Northampton Fire Department. Depending on the location of the FACP, a remote annunciator may be required at a location acceptable the Northampton Fire Department. K: Type/Description and design layout of the smoke control or exhaust systems Not Required L: Smoke control or exhaust systems control equipment location Not Required M: Building Life safety features (auxiliary functions) required to be integrated into fire protective signaling system. Not Applicable N: Type/Description and design layout of the fire extinguishing systems. Fire extinguishers are to be provided per NFPA 10 and acceptable the Northampton Fire Department. O: Fire extinguishing systems control location. Not Applicable P: Fire Protection System equipment room location 1.1 The fire protection equipment room will be located in the mechanical space located on the first-floor level. 1.2 The Fire Alarm control Panel located in accordance with NFPA 72 and the Northampton Fire Department. Q: Fire protection systems equipment identification and operation signs To be provided per NFPA 13 and NFPA 72 R: Fire protection systems alarm/supervisory signal transmission method and location The fire alarm control panel will transmit all fire alarm system signals to a listed central station monitoring service in accordance with NFPA 72, which reports all alarm signals to the Northampton fire department. Supervisory signals from tamper switches and the low air pressure switch will be forwarded to the building owner representative by the central station monitoring service. S: Fire Command center location Not Required T: Type/description and the location of emergency alarm systems Not Required U: Type/description and the location of any alternative fire suppression system or protection Not Required V: Type/description and the location of any carbon monoxide protection As Required by the Northampton Fire Department W: Emergency responder radio coverage type/location. To be determined by actual Northampton Fire Department radio testing within the Dormitory and all parts therein. It is advised that NFD conduct this test as soon as possible as BDA equipment typically has a significant lead time.